Montana Senate moves to undermine federal health care

Senate moves to undermine federal health care

HELENA — The state Senate is advancing two Republican measures aimed at undermining federal health care reform.

One measure tells the attorney general to join an ongoing lawsuit from other states challenging the federal law, despite objections that plan could run up against the state Constitution by trying to give an order to the attorney general.

The other bars the state from implementing the federal requirement to purchase health insurance.

The GOP holds a 28-22 majority in the chamber and both measures advanced easily. They face one more largely procedural vote before going to the House.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer has not said how we will respond to a long list of health care bills planned by the Republicans.

HELENA — The state Senate is advancing two Republican measures aimed at undermining federal health care reform.

One measure tells the attorney general to join an ongoing lawsuit from other states challenging the federal law, despite objections that plan could run up against the state Constitution by trying to give an order to the attorney general.

The other bars the state from implementing the federal requirement to purchase health insurance.

The GOP holds a 28-22 majority in the chamber and both measures advanced easily. They face one more largely procedural vote before going to the House.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer has not said how we will respond to a long list of health care bills planned by the Republicans.